Halloween Costume Ideas For Helene-o-ween

Written by Nyla Johnson, 2025 Director of Public Relations

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One of the biggest events of the semester is almost here! Helene-o-ween is one of my favorite events that we host, and I’ve spent a questionable amount of time on TikTok looking for costume inspiration.

If you still have no idea what you’re going to do [time is ticking, please lock in], see the list below of potential costumes I considered doing for Helene-o-ween, whether you’re going solo or as a duo/group, there is inspo for all :) 

Before you hit “add to cart,” check out your local thrift store! There are perfect pieces hiding in some of those racks, and you’ll probably find something more unique (and definitely more sustainable) than what's on Amazon.

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Pierrot Clown

This was one of my top costumes for this year! I love how there isn't one specific way of doing it “right”, so when I look for inspiration, everyone’s costume looks unique. This is one where face painting is a huge part of the look, so if you do this one, definitely commit to the face makeup, but if you're not the best artist, then I think a couple of triangles by the eyes and blush on the cheeks will suffice :)

Bojack Horseman Characters

If you want to dress up as an animal but want to take it up a notch — or if you just want to buy minimal accessories and wear clothes in your closet — I would definitely pick a Bojack Horseman character to dress up as! Although I think this would be more recognizable as a group costume, you could definitely do it solo and pick your favorite character!

Yellowjackets

All Yellowjackets fans, please come to the front of the room. I feel like I’ll be saying this about a lot of costumes in this list, but being the antler queen [Lottie Matthews, my beloved] was actually a top pick for me. We have a mini Yellowjackets fan base within Helenes, so I knew if I showed up as the antler queen, my people would get it. Another costume that you could DIY + use clothes in your closet, but it’s so good. 

If I saw someone as Frozen Jackie, I would probably pass out. The frostbite look can be minimal or you could go all out, but the varsity jacket is essential.

If you have a larger group of friends who love the show, consider going all out and buying the uniforms! To others, you may seem like you’re just a soccer team, but the real ones will know. 

Cheshire Cat

Every time I see anyone’s face makeup for this costume, I get extremely jealous of their skills. An extremely recognizable costume, especially when done in a group! Can’t go wrong with Alice in Wonderland.

Wild Kratts 

I loved this show so much as a kid! And it’s a fairly simple costume that is definitely recognizable. The only item you really need to buy is the vest; the rest of the outfit can probably be found in your closet. Also, if there are other characters, you could totally do a group of 5 or 6 [Koki, Aviva, Jimmy, and Zach ifykyk]. Grab a friend [or friends] and make it happen!

A Very Hungry Caterpillar 

Now, I told myself last year that I wanted to make it a tradition to crochet at least one part of my costume every year [last year I was Snoopy and I crocheted the headpiece], and if I had the time, this would definitely be a top contender for me. I’ve seen many people just crochet scarves, but recently I saw someone crochet a hat, scarf, and matching shorts! I definitely recommend this for people who aren’t afraid of a little DIY, as there are many ways to approach making this costume. You could go full out or just throw on some green and add antennas, but in my opinion, this is one of those costumes where you have to go all out [and maybe carry a snack with you].  Honestly, don't be surprised if you see me do this next year! 

Bottoms 

Fight Club Halloween costumes have been all over my feed, but I’m not seeing enough costumes from Bottoms! It’s pretty easy: a striped long-sleeve shirt + shorts/jeans + a bloody nose/black eye. I believe this movie will become a cult classic, and people who recognize this costume will love it. I know I will. 

Wes Anderson Movies

This might be the best group costume idea because you have so many options. My personal favorites are Fantastic Mr. Fox and Moonrise Kingdom, but this can work very well if your group is larger and you need a lot of costume ideas that are not too similar to one another. 

Total Drama Island Characters 

Perfect for a last-minute costume because you’ll probably have the clothes in your closet [or your friend's closet]. Again, a great idea if you have a larger group, as there are many characters to choose from. If you're afraid that it won’t be recognizable, you can always print out the show logo and clip it to your shirt!

Edward Scissorhands

I love this movie so much. This one could work as a last-minute costume if you go all out with the face makeup and hunt for clothes with any metal/silver on them. Although the Scissorhands are iconic, if you’re in a time crunch, I feel like you could get by without them [maybe do long nails with accessories instead?], BUT only in special circumstances! Otherwise, start looking for or start making your Scissorhands.

Plants vs Zombies 

This duo costume recently appeared in my fyp, and I don’t even want to disclose my reaction when I first saw it. I had an insane amount of hours logged on this mobile game, and it brought back so many memories. Again, most clothes you can find in your closet, since there’s not really a “right” way to do it. The only essential items are the headpieces. 

Moth 

I know a ton of people are doing ladybugs, bees, or butterflies, but moths need love too. I’m usually not a huge fan of them, but I have to admit they’re gorgeous and the costume is amazing. My favorite part is definitely the huge frame sunglasses. I desperately need a pair!

Nesquik Bunny

Simple and easy…what more do you need? Perfect if you need something super last-minute. If you want to make it a group costume, then everyone could dress up as different food characters/mascots! 

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I’m excited to see what everyone wears this Saturday! I hope that this list can be helpful for this year, or maybe I helped you plan something for next year (?) Whatever you end up doing, please stay safe and look out for one another <3

Until next time!